Falkirk district urged to take part in final clap for NHS

We are all being urged to take part in the biggest thank you the country has ever seen this weekend.

The NHS will celebrate its 72nd birthday on Sunday, July 5.

People are being asked to stop, think of others and take part in a round of applause at 5pm.

Broadcasters across the country will stop their normal transmission at this time as people pause for a moment.

Throughout the UK people are being asked to stop what they are doing, join with others in their neighbourhood – while still following social distancing – and applaud not just the NHS and other key workers but all those who have volunteered or helped keep services and community networks going.

On Saturday evening, July 4, everybody is being asked to put a light in their windows in remembrance of those who have lost their lives during the pandemic.

Public buildings will be lit up in NHS blue including the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, the Royal Albert Hall and Blackpool Tower.

John Connaghan, chief executive of NHS Scotland, said: “Over its 72 years, the NHS has continually adapted and responded in order to meet the health needs of the people of Scotland.

“The anniversary gives us another opportunity to once again say to those working in and with our NHS ‘‘thank you.”